Chapter 2227: He Wants to Return Home and Open a Academy

Chapter 2227: He Wants to Return Home and Open a Academy

On the second day, it was the day when the new scholars were appointed to their official positions.

The scholars, once again standing in the Emperial Hall, displayed a vastly different demeanor from their anxious expressions earlier. They now exuded confidence and eagerness to make their mark.

The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, observing the scholars with great satisfaction. This was the first imperial examination he had held since ascending the throne, making it a momentous occasion for him.

However, when his gaze fell upon Meng Yunzheng, his previously delighted expression froze momentarily, and he felt a faint sense of disappointment.

Today's official appointments primarily focused on the top three scholars in the first ranked. While other successful examinees had passed the palace examination, they still needed to participate in the morning court examination. Afterward, they would be assigned roles such as literary officials based on their expertise.

After all the scholars had paid their respects and withdrawn, except for the top three in the first ranked, who remained in the forefront, the Emperor glanced at the eunuch by his side and said, "Announce the decree."

The chief eunuch opened the imperial decree and announced loudly, "By the grace of heaven, the Emperor decrees: For the Bingyan scholar in the new examination, Chuzhou Prefecture's Chuo Qiu Ping and for the Tanhua scholar, Shuntian Prefecture's Jin Lin. Both have outstanding literary talent... They are hereby appointed as compilers of the Hanlin Academy, holding the rank of Seventh Rank... May you both serve the court with dedication and diligence, govern justly, and love the people. This is your decree."

Upon hearing this, the scholars were taken aback. Why did the imperial decree only mention the Tanhua and Bingyan and not Meng Yunzheng, who had been a prominent topic of discussion lately?

Chuo Qiu Ping and Jin Lin, although puzzled, reacted quickly and stepped forward to kneel in gratitude.

The Emperor nodded and said, "Rise."

The two of them stood and retreated to the side. Then, the Emperor turned his attention to Meng Yunzheng.

However, neither of them spoke, and in the vast Emperial Hall, only the sounds of the officials' breathing remained.

Finally, Prime Minister Qi couldn't help but step forward from the line and bowed. "Your Majesty, Scholar Young Master Meng..."

The Emperor raised his hand, interrupting him. "Prime Minister, there's no need to rush. I know what you want to say. I'm in a difficult position regarding Meng Yunzheng's official appointment. How about you listen to his thoughts?"

Prime Minister Qi had no choice but to lower his hand and looked worriedly at the figure in the hall. The Emperor's previous words had led him to believe that the Emperor and Meng Yunzheng had a good relationship. However, now that the Emperor had appointed official positions to others but not to Meng Yunzheng, he was confused about the Emperor's intentions.

Meng Yunzheng took a step forward and knelt down. "Your Majesty's favor is too great. I am not worthy and ask for your forgiveness."

Prime Minister Qi was still puzzled, and everyone else in the hall was bewildered. What was going on?

"Meng Xiangyan, what are you thinking?" Prime Minister Qi asked in a low voice.

Meng Yunzheng lifted his head and said, "I intend to return to my hometown and establish an academy. I will serve as the academy's principal and devote myself to teaching. I wish to stay away from the court."

"What?!" Prime Minister Qi exclaimed in disbelief.

The entire hall erupted in astonishment. Even those officials who hadn't paid much attention to Meng Yunzheng before and were usually unflappable were now turning their heads in confusion.

"Yun Zheng, are you out of your mind?" Yao Tianqin couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Not to mention the officials who had been closely watching Meng Yunzheng, even some high-ranking ministers who had long learned to adapt to changing circumstances couldn't help but look bewildered.

No one could understand Meng Yunzheng's thoughts and actions. He was a top-ranked scholar who had studied diligently for many years and had finally achieved success. Now he wanted to return home and become a teacher?

As Deputy Minister Yao said, this person must have gone mad with his gains and losses.